Take it to the Bridge @ The Chillingham. February 26

Dave Weisser (trumpet, flugel & vocals), Don Forbes (trumpet), Rachel Richman (alto saxophone), Barrie Ascroft (keyboards), Paul Grainger (double bass) & Ian Forbes (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Having heard the great guitars of James Birkett and Bradley Johnston at the Lit and Phil there was still time to dash to the Chilli and catch some of Dave Weisser’s weekly workshop. In the downstairs bar canned music blared out. A pint of Rivet Catcher (Jarrow Brewery). Ascending the stairs the workshop’s second half was under way. Trumpeter Don Forbes blew, no sign of Dave Weisser. However DW was in the building – the give-away being his Miles t-shirt draped, as ever, over the back of a chair. Weisser reappeared (he’d been to the ‘john’, as his fellow Americans would say).

Forbes played the intro with keys man ‘Bazza’ Ascroft on Tenderly, Weisser sang (he would appear to know the lyrics to a vast number of tunes). Drummer Ian Forbes and bassist Paul Grainger worked in the engine room on the night. Forbes, a wise-cracking eccentric veteran, plays drums better than many half his age; brushwork, Modernist hi-hat, every trick in the book. Oleo heard earlier in town at the Lit & Phil resurfaced at the Chilli. Ascroft and Forbes led the charge and Paul Grainger got stuck in during an exchange with Forbes (Ian). Altoist Rachel Richman stated the theme on My Foolish Heart as Weisser once more delved deep into his lyrics’ memory bank. One of Bebop Spoken Here’s duties is to note the passing of musicians, be it from the north east region, nationally or internationally. On the day the news broke about the death of Mick Danby it was fitting that Dave Weisser should dedicate the evening to his friend and former band mate.             

Russell.